Every offensive lineman envisions themselves protecting the quarterback from the most storied defensive linemen, but not many get the opportunity to line up against them in practice. Washington Commanders rookie tackle Josh Conerly Jr. is the exception.
The 29th overall pick out of Oregon has the unique chance to face some of the best as a rookie in training camp, and he caught up with retired Washington linebacker London Fletcher on Command Center to break down his first day of NFL training camp.
"Lining up against anybody in the NFL is a dream come true for me," Conerly explained. "It's something I always worked for and just try to make the most of any opportunity."
At 21 years old, Conerly is the youngest player in Commanders' training camp and is fighting for a starting role on the team's reinforced offensive line. He impressed with the second team Wednesday and was given reps with the first team Thursday thanks to a veteran's day off for left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
"It was fun; lot's of energy, great competition out there," Conerly told Fletcher after Day 1. "I'm just getting used to it all, so it was a really good time."
Having been through 16 training camps of his own, Fletcher likened the start of camp to the jittery feeling a student gets when they walk into the classroom on the first day of a new school year.
"I feel that, word for word," Conerly agreed. "That first day of school feeling, just getting out there and knowing I could just go out there and play ball and have fun, that was more my approach."
Aside from spending time in his home state of Seattle or his college town in Oregon during the five weeks between the end of OTAs and the start of training camp, Conerly also prepared for the rigor of the NFL by working out alongside veterans such as Tunsil.
"I worked out with L.T. (Laremy Tunsil) for a week out in Auburn," Conerly said. "So just being able to move around a little bit and still have fun, I think that's the biggest thing for me. Being able to still enjoy working out and just knowing that there's a bigger purpose. It's kind of weird, though, being by yourself. You kind of have to figure everything out by yourself and not being on a consistent college program, so it was really fun though, being a lot more independent."
Conerly's time with Tunsil no doubt helped him establish the high level of discipline and independence he is demonstrating on the field. With a Week 1 starting spot up for grabs on the offensive line, Conerly is one to watch.
The Command Center is the official podcast of the Washington Commanders. To watch Josh Conerly Jr.'s full interview with London Fletcher, head to the official Washington Commanders YouTube channel, @commanders.
